mancityblues.com

Upton Park, Sunday March 1st, 12.30 pm

Gianfranco Zola is a model of professionalism. He will be working very hard on the training ground day after day to instil confidence in the Hammers who haven't won in five games. After going out of the FA cup on Wednesday night at Middlesbrough, West Ham will definitely want to break their current dip in form and take vengeance against City for the 3-0 battering at Eastlands back in August 2008.

West Ham have had a serious problem with injuries this season, and they are still without some very good players. Defender James Collins (hamstring) is out as is Luis Boa Morte (groin), Kieron Dyer (calf), Danny Gabbidon (stomach/back) and striker Dean Ashton (ankle)
Midfielder Mark Noble serves a one-match suspension, but up and coming Jack Collison looks set to figure on Sunday and will be keen to carry on his recent form. Zola is convinced he will be an important player for them for years to come.

As for City, Craig Bellamy, who keeps scoring goals every time he plays , will get a "warm" reception from the home fans after the manner of his departure from Upton Park which was seen by most 'ammers as betrayal. Craig will of course enjoy the attention and take great delight in showing what he can do in a blue shirt. As tough as old boots, Mr Bellamy. His developing understanding with a remarkably unselfish Robinho is becoming quite an act. Shaun Wright-Phillips will again miss out due to a ridiculous suspension, though Stephen Ireland and Elano are both available.

City will also have Nigel DeJong to call on, thankfully, as he was ineligible for the Uefa cup. Hughes would do well to start with his name and build a team around him, his impact on the side since he re-joined his old partner Vincent Kompany has been a revelation since January. Pablo Zabaleta keeps getting better and better.

What has been seen as a huge problem in defence, Richard Dunne and Micah Richards have recently been rediscovering their form. With the confidence of knowing Shay Given is behind them, and with Nedum Onouha and Wayne Bridge, they are becoming part of a solid back four again. Hope this continues on Sunday as a clean sheet will be very handy! Keeping Cole and DiMichele quiet will be a real test.

Mark Hughes, speaking to the Manchester Evening News;

"Our problem in the past is we have been unable to see out games. We have not had the right tools."

Well, I have to say you've a right set of tools now Boss!

CLEVBLUE

I've always had a soft spot for West Ham - in many ways, they are the City of the south, boasting a rich history, loyal fans, a great academy, drama, inconsistency and a reputation for playing attractive football. In recent seasons, West Ham looked capable of making the leap from a mid-table club to a contender for the top 6, but events have conspired against them and they now find themselves relying on a small squad of decent players (led by the excellent Zola and Clarke partnership) to maintain their status. Still, the Hammers are well capable of beating City this weekend in East London, and will be determined to get back to winning ways after losing against Bolton in the league and Boro in the Cup.

As for City, Hughes team is beginning - dare I say it - to find some steel and consistency and they will need that in spades to get a result against Zola's men. The battle in midfield will be critical, but their are duels all over the pitch that will decide this fixture -

Dunne vs Carlton Cole - Dunnie always seems to have problems with this kind of centre-forward. Maybe Nedum should pick up the job?

Behrami/Noble/Collison vs Kompany/De Jong/Zabaleta - if City can stop the Hammers from playing here, they have a good chance to bring home a result.

Ireland vs Parker - this could get tasty.

Bellamy vs Ilunga/Upson - Craig will be determined to do well, as will the Hammers defense against their former colleague. His pace and speed of thought will be vital.

Robinho vs Spector - we really need to see Robbie do the business away from Eastlands.

The only issue with City's team selection at the time of writing for this game is the absence of SWP. Micah seems to be getting back some form, although he is still way off his best. Bridge seems only slightly better than Ball or Garrido, but I'll put that down to the splinters in his backside slowly working their way out and the lack of cover from Robinho

BLOOVIC